The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said it is not seeking to ban Uber, Bolt or other e-hailing platforms from operating at Nigerian airports, but is working with the operators to establish a framework for safer and more accountable passenger pick-up services.
The clarification comes amid growing concerns over the operations of e-hailing services at some airports and reports of restrictions affecting passengers who rely on the platforms for transportation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, FAAN said its position had been misunderstood, stressing that it was not aimed at limiting passengers’ access to transportation or undermining the role of e-hailing companies in providing convenient mobility for air travellers.
Rather, the Authority said it was concerned about how commercial transportation services operate within the highly regulated airport environment, particularly in relation to passenger safety, security, accountability and traffic management.
FAAN explained that commercial transport operators accessing airport premises must operate under an arrangement that enables the airport authority to identify and monitor the vehicles and drivers providing services to passengers.
According to the Authority, such visibility is necessary to ensure effective coordination and accountability, especially when security incidents, passenger complaints or other emergencies arise.
FAAN said it had received complaints and observed operational difficulties involving commercial transportation around airport premises, including passenger solicitation and touting.
It said the issues had made it necessary to develop a clearer framework for managing commercial transport services within airports without eliminating the convenience they provide to travellers.
The Authority said it had consequently been engaging relevant e-hailing operators to reach an agreement that would allow their services to continue while meeting airport-specific safety, security and operational requirements.
“FAAN’s primary responsibility is to ensure that activities within the airport environment are conducted in a manner that guarantees the safety, security and convenience of passengers and other airport users,” the Authority said.
FAAN also moved to correct what it described as a misconception surrounding its ACHRAMS platform.
According to the Authority, ACHRAMS is not an e-hailing application and was not created to compete with Uber, Bolt or other mobility platforms.
Instead, the system was developed to provide operational visibility and tracking within the airport environment, as well as facilitate the management of applicable concession and related airport charges.
FAAN said the ongoing engagement with e-hailing operators was focused on resolving outstanding issues, including passenger safety and security, operational visibility, driver and vehicle accountability, as well as the management of pick-up points within airport premises.
The Authority stressed that the situation should not be interpreted as a blanket ban on e-hailing services.
“Rather, it is part of an ongoing process of operational alignment with the objective of ensuring that services can continue to serve passengers within a framework that meets the requirements of the airport,” it said.
FAAN acknowledged that passengers may face inconvenience while the discussions continue, noting that platforms such as Uber and Bolt provide travellers with additional transportation choices.
It said it was keen to conclude the discussions as quickly as possible and expressed confidence that a mutually acceptable arrangement would be reached shortly.
The Authority reiterated its commitment to working with Uber, Bolt and other mobility providers to ensure that passengers retain access to safe and convenient transportation while airport operations remain secure, orderly and accountable.
